Veterans Association of Central Western Massachusetts hosts Veterans Mental Health Summit

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – The Veterans Association of Central Western Massachusetts hosted its suicide prevention and Veteran Mental Health Summit Thursday.

This summit helped first responders across Central and Western Massachusetts focus on critical issues surrounding veterans’ mental health.

The Veterans Association partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, bringing together experts, first responders, and community leaders to explore strategies to better support veterans in crisis.

“Our goal here is to help them better understand military culture, have a better idea of how they might respond if someone has that history and is in a crisis situation, and give them some tips on what they might do, and then supply them with resources,” said Jeffrey McCarthy, Program Manager for Outpatient Mental Health Services and summit keynote speaker.

Attendees had the chance to engage in break-out rooms surrounding topics such as veteran mental health, legal support, and suicide prevention. Presenters stressed the importance of being sensitive to someone who served.

“They may be avoiding circumstances and situations that we may otherwise find to be non-threatening,” said Dana Weaver, Chief of Mental Health for VA Central Western Massachusetts. “They may experience people or situations as dangerous.”

First responders are encouraged to identify veterans in need and connect them to the VA’s services.

“The brief to all of our presenters was give all of our folks who are attending today something to put in one pocket for the veterans they see in the community and the other pocket for themselves,” added Thea Schlieben, Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator for the VA Central Western Massachusetts.

To connect with the VA of Central Western Massachusetts and learn more about its resources, visit their website here .

By providing essential training and resources, this summit will help first responders make a difference in the veteran population in their communities.

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